F1 teams are bracing themselves for a tough time in managing engine life in 2018, with new rules limiting them to just three power units (and two MGU-Ks, energy stores and control electronics) for the 21-grand-prix season.

Though all four manufacturers have worked hard to prepare for the new allocations, Tost believes the power drop-off that comes as an engine reaches the end of its life means there could be benefits to taking a fresh unit and incurring a penalty.

He expects to discuss with Honda whether the punishment of dropping down the grid order would be negated by having more horsepower available.

"There will come the period where we have to find out if is it better to start with a new power unit from the back instead of using an engine that will have 3000-4000 kilometres on it, and you start losing power after one or two hundred kilometres," he told Autosport.

"So we will see. But I can tell you now that we will have this discussion. I don't know when, but we will have it."

Tost thinks it is "crazy" that F1 has stuck with the three-engine limit, after attempts by Red Bull to get the rule changed met resistance.

"Last year manufacturers tried with four engines and less races, and this year we have more races and less engines," he said.

"I must only say they are totally crazy with this regulation.

"But Ferrari was against it [changing the rules], because others wanted to go with four.

"They [Ferrari] think they have an advantage with three. And it is within the regulations so we have to live with it.

"We have to accept it and how many power units at the end we will need I don't know."

Why Ferrari is on the warpath against F1Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne claims to be thinking the unthinkable:
Ferrari could pull out of Formula 1. It's not the first time such threats have emanated from Maranello, but this time F1's owners have to take it seriously, reports PINO ALLIEVI...1527033600F1

Why Monaco 'madness' will be F1 at its bestWith Formula 1 track design again under the microscope thanks to Lewis Hamilton's critique of the proposed circuit in Miami, it's worth assessing the variety of layouts used in the championship - with no more unique than this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.1527033600F1

McLaren's decade of misjudgementsMcLaren's lacklustre start to 2018 is making very clear that its problems went way beyond Honda. A look back at the last decade shows a litany of wrong directions that have left it in its current state1526947200F1

Please note that unauthorised reproduction or translation of any content (including words, data, information, photos, videos and any other intellectual property) published on this page and any other copyrighted content published on Autosport.com is strictly prohibited. Please see our terms and conditions for further information.

Upgrade your experience.

Get even more of the motorsport you love with Autosport Plus.

Upgrade your experience. Get even more of the motorsport you love with Autosport Plus.